Mallory Griffith

Judaism

As an old rabbi once said, "Elohai N'shaah Shenatata Be Tehorah He!" or translated means "My G-d the soul you have given me is pure!" Jewish people recite this verse everyday all over the world. When I was reading the rabbi's quote I thought he was very thankful, good hearted and pure. Judaism is a very interesting and unique religion to learn about.

Judaism is one of the major religions in the world. It was to give hope to the people. Judaism provides rules and a reason to live by. The purpose of life was to obey G-d. A motto is living a life that pursues holiness and happiness. The history of Judaism is fascinating.

Judaism has many different characteristics that go with this religion. To begin with, Judaism is monotheistic, that means they believe in one god. The language spoken is Hebrew. The Star of David is the symbol of Judaism. Jews and Christians both share the Old Testament.The Jewish holy book is called a Torah. Jews believe Jesus was a prophet that was very special, but not the messiah. They are still waiting for a messiah. Rabbi Sinai said, "I hope the messiah will come."

The synagogue is the center of Jewish learning and worship for the entire family. If you look around your city I'm sure you will find more than one synagogue. Judaism is Abrahamic, which means that they follow Abraham's ways. In the Synagogue, the Rabbi is the main figure. Rabbi means, "My master."When women go to worship with men the women sit up on the top of the Synagogue so the men aren't distracted by their presence. Sometimes people have rituals at home. It is told that you cannot use electricity on Saturday, the holy day. There are portable temples called Tabernacle, in English that means, Tent of meeting.

Modern Judaism is everywhere and still spreading. The Jewish religion is stretched from each corner of the earth. Followers wear a vest -like-cloth with string on each corner of it, under their clothes. This symbolizes how G-d is in all four corners of the world. Judaism was founded in Mesopotamia around 800 BC. The country of Israel was founded in 1948. Ninety percent of the people who live in Israel are Jewish.

Holidays are almost every week in the Jewish religion. Sabbath is the one that is celebrated every week. Hanukkah is around the same time as Christmas. It goes on for twelve days with a candle lit each night. In a regular day you pray three times. Morning is called Sharharith, afternoon Minhah, and then at night is Maarib. Judaism has many ethical ceremonies. Pass over; Rosh Hasha Nah, and Yom Kipper are just a few holidays. I wish every day was a holiday!

As I said before Judaism is a very interesting and unique religion. Judaism is the one of the major religions in the world. It has many different characteristics that go with this religion. Judaism is everywhere and still spreading. The synagogue is the center of Jewish learning and worship for the entire family. Holiday's are almost everyday in this religion! I have learned so many interesting things about this special faith. Look around next time you go out and try to look for anything with a Jewish touch.

Bibliography

*Dictionary

Dictionary.com 11/15/08

*Lexi Corient. Judaism.

lexicorient/Judaism.com11/15 /08

*Rabbi Sinai Burns. Personal

Interview 11/19/08

*http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/religio

Net/er/judaism/JRLIF/. HTM.http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/religi11/15/08